Only members who joined or renewed their membership before September 15, 2023 are invited to attend the Members Only Presale on September 29, please read about the new prices, Members Only Presale rules, and more: 2023 Book Sale
We are NOT ACCEPTING new members or renewals from now through Sept 30, 2023.
Online membership and the paper membership forms (usually available at the library) are not available at this time. We will welcome everyone to join our membership restarting Saturday, September 30.
Benefits of Membership
Besides making a tax-deductible donation, these are some of the perks of membership (when possible):
- Early access to the annual Book Sale weekend, normally held in September.
- Invitation to Members-Only events like an author “meet and greet”
- Invitation to Members-Only social events/outings
- Discounts on Friends-sponsored events
- All dues and donations may be tax deductible. The Friends are a registered 501(c)3 non profit organization.
- Help support our Library which we all use and love
FAQs about Membership
Who are the Friends of the Fort Lee Library?
We are a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that supports the Fort Lee Library’s services through fundraising and volunteerism. In conjunction with the library’s plans and goals, the Friends will decide which services to support and fund each year.
What do I get for my membership?
First, the most popular perk is early access to the annual Book Sale weekend, normally held in September. We have a Members-Only Preview sale of the full book sale and only members are allowed to enter.
Additionally, when we have members-only events (like an author talk or performer) only members can attend. There are also Friends-sponsored ticketed events and our members almost always have the opportunity to pay a reduced ticket price or buy tickets earlier than the public.
All dues and donations may be tax deductible. The Friends are a registered 501(c)3 non profit organization. And, of course, all our fundraising will help support our Fort Lee Library which we all use and love.
I have a library card, am I a member of the Friends?
No, although most of our members are Fort Lee Library cardholders, only those who pay membership dues to the Friends are a member.
Since the Friends of the Library is a separate nonprofit from the Fort Lee Library, only those who pay the annual dues to the Friends of the Fort Lee Library are considered members of the Friends. Library card holders–from Fort Lee and Englewood Cliffs–are able to borrow items and use services available to them from the Fort Lee Library, but are not automatically members of the Friends.
Can I join the Friends if I don’t live in Fort Lee, of if I don’t have a Fort Lee library card?
Yes. Anyone can join the Friends of the Fort Lee Library, and anyone can give a donation to the Friends to help support the Fort Lee Library.
Can I get a refund on my membership if I don’t use it?
Since your membership dues are considered a donation to our 501(c)3 nonprofit, donations and membership dues are NOT refundable. However, they are donations to a nonprofit and may be tax deductible.
If I join in October (or any month), when does my membership expire?
All memberships expire on December 31 of each year, regardless of when the member joined. Memberships are not prorated.
How can I pay my membership dues?
Choose either Individual (ages 21-59) or Senior (ages 60+) and click on Pay with PayPal to pay with your PayPal account, or click on any of the credit card logos below to pay with a credit card and not use a PayPal account.
Alternatively, you can go to the main Circulation Desk at the library and ask for a membership form, then submit that form with either a check or cash. It’s the same fee regardless how to pay.
How can I make a one-time/monthly donation, or donation in addition to my membership dues?
Separate from membership dues, a monthly or one-time donation can be made at anytime by check or online donations. Thank you for your support!
When will I receive an email confirmation of my dues paid?
Since our membership committee is made up of volunteers and isn’t large, we send out email confirmations to new members and those who have renewed their membership once every 2-4 weeks. If you’ve paid online, your PayPal receipt does also count as confirmation.
We’ve decided not to pay for a large automated membership portal that could automatically send out confirmations immediately since they are expensive and we would rather put those funds toward our work with the library. If you have any questions about your membership please email FLPLFriendsMembership@gmail.com.
Am I already a member of the Friends?
If you’re not sure that you already signed up for membership. Maybe you signed up earlier this year? Email us to check on your membership status at any time: FLPLFriendsMembership@gmail.com
Friends of the Fort Lee Public Library is a 501(c)3 | EIN 83-2152094 | Incorporated 2018